Board Vacancy Information Updated as of December 22, 2023
Applications and nominations for the Maryland Board of Examiners in Optometry are being accepted through January 27, 2024.
1 licensed optometrist Member is currently vacant
2 licensed Optometrist Member which will be vacant May 31, 2024.
1 Consumer Member will be vacant May 31, 2024.
Criteria
The criteria for members are outlined in the Board statute, Health Occupations §11-202 11-202 (c), 1,2,3,4,5,6 (d). All Interested candidates must be licensed optometrists. Each optometrist member shall have resided in the State and practiced optometry actively and continuously in this State for at least 5 years before appointment. Terms are for four years and members may not serve more than 2 consecutive full terms.
Board Member Duties
- Attend six Board meetings per year which are held generally on the last Wednesday of odd numbered months, i.e. January, March. May, July, September and November. The meetings, (held at the Board office in Baltimore), begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon. The meeting includes a public (open) session, and a quasi-judicial session, and members receive a stipend of $150 per meeting plus mileage. Board members receive documents in advance of the meeting for review. There are attendance requirements in order to remain a board member.
- Serve on Board committees including budget, credentialing, executive, discipline, legislation, continuing education, rehabilitation and ARBO (Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry). Committees meet as needed either in person or via teleconference.
- Participate in disciplinary hearings and case resolution conferences.
- Testify before the General Assembly regarding legislation that affects consumers and/or licensees.
- File an annual financial disclosure with the State Ethics Commission and be subject to the State Ethics Law.
All interested applicants are required to submit a formal application through the Governor's Appointment Office website
at www.govappointments.maryland.gov no later than January 27, 2024.
Please be aware that one of the application documents, Appointee Exemption Disclosure (AED) form, is required by the Maryland State Ethics Commission (SEC) to document any potential conflicts of interest. On the AED form, applicants should request an employment exemption for all current employment.
Applicants who are self-employed, own or co-own a business should also request a financial exemption on the AED form.
If an applicant is serving in an official capacity with the Board/Association, the applicant should list their role and note their willingness to resign immediately if appointed to the Health Occupation Board. Applicants may contact the SEC at 410-260-7770 with questions or to request guidance.
Any additional questions regarding applications or nominations may be addressed to e-mail: gov.appointments@maryland.gov
The Governor appoints the optometrist members with the advice of the Secretary of the Department of Health from a list submitted to the Secretary by the Maryland Optometric Association. Please note that all applicants are thoroughly vetted and may be interviewed by a subject matter expert.
